Month: October 2022

Dartford v Weymouth

October 28, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford aim to keep the pressure on the top two when they host bottom of the table Weymouth in the National South this weekend.

Unbeaten in the league since the start of September, the Darts have won seven of their last eight and approach Saturday’s game in great form. Weymouth have recorded just one win in the league this season and based on current form gives Dartford a chance to end a 32 year wait for a league victory against their opponents.

For a third time in a month, the Darts showed character to come from behind to claim all three points on Tuesday night. Alan Dowsn’s side have taken nine points from losing positions this term against Eastbourne Borough at the end of September, at Dulwich Hamlet and then at Slough Town. After suffering four defeats in five near the start of the campaign, Dowson’s side is now full of confidence after just one defeat in the last ten league outings.

Earlier in the week one change was made to the starting eleven with Tom Bonner rested as a precaution meaning a start for Kieran Murtagh. Slough Town took the lead in the first-half through Josh Jackman and continued to be in front at the interval. In the second-half, Dowson tweaked the side with the introduction of Pierre Fonkeu and that proved pivotal later on. Charlie Sheringham scored to put Dartford on level terms, the striker’s fourth in all competitions this term. Then Fonkeu won it for the Darts with his sixth of the campaign to take him level with Samir Carruthers. Over the last seven days Dartford have picked up four points with Tuesday’s win adding to the creditable 1-1 draw at St Albans City.

Dartford avenged their playoff heartbreak when they last played Weymouth by knocking the Terras out of the F.A Trophy. Last season Jack Jebb’s well drilled shot from outside the box was enough to put the Darts into the last sixteen of the competition. Goalkeeper, Dan Wilks was in top form to keep Weymouth at bay in the second-half and help his side hold on.

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Highlights – Dartford v Weymouth (15/01/2022 – F.A Trophy) – Dartford FC TV

As the head to head record suggests Weymouth have enjoyed taking on the Darts, especially during the Southern League years of the sixties, seventies and nineties as well as the Conference years in the mid-eighties. The Terras have won almost twice the amount of times as Dartford, one of those victories was in the playoff final in August 2020. After a 0-0 draw, Weymouth clinched promotion to the National League on penalties, the Darts missed all of their spot kicks to lose 3-0. In that campaign the two sides met just once in the league and yet again the Dorset club came out on top. Norman Wabo’s last minute goal was merely a consolation for the Darts as the Terras scored three.

Weymouth have struggled with life back in the National South following relegation last season. David Oldfield started the campaign in charge, but after just two points in the opening eight matches the former Oxford City boss exited by mutual consent. Bobby Wilkinson was lined up to take over and arrived at the Bob Lucas Stadium with a good reputation. Wilkinson led Hungerford Town to promotion to the National South and has also won the Isthmian League South Central with Bracknell Town. A spell at Wealdstone saw the Middlesex club reach the F.A Trophy and playoff semi-finals and he is no stranger to working within a tight budget.

Losing his first four league games in charge of the Terras, Wilkinson finally posted a win for the Dorset club at their twelfth attempt. Victory over Slough Town came against the odds in that Weymouth were reduced to ten men away from home, but Cam Murray’s late winner recorded a first maximum. Yet they almost threw the three points away having led by two goals scored by Bradley Ash and Teddy Howe. Slough Town fought back when Arnold Matshazi pulled a goal back before Nathan Carlyle was sent off for the Terras. Scott Davies equalised direct from a free-kick, but with two minutes left on the clock Cam Murray netted the decisive goal.

On Tuesday night, Weymouth hosted Farnborough and by the end of the evening they were left still looking for their first home win in the league. The Terras were level for most of the first-half but conceded with virtually the last play. Jack Ball headed in at the far post to give Farnborough the advantage which they kept until the final whistle. The contrast between Weymouth’s league and cup form is stark. Whilst the Terras having struggled to buy a win in the National South they have reached the first round of the F.A Cup with victories over Winchester City, Welling United and an impressive win against Havant and Waterlooville. Their reward is a home tie against AFC Wimbledon next week.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 18 / Weymouth wins: 35 / Draws: 16

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWDW)			Weymouth (LLLLWL)
Slough Town	A	2-1	Farnborough	H	0-1
St Albans City	A	1-1	Slough Town	A	3-2
Tonbridge Angels	H	2-0	Eastbourne Borough	A	1-5
Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-1	Havant and Waterlooville	H	0-2
Hungerford Town	H	2-0	Dover Athletic	H	0-2
Eastbourne Borough	H	2-1	Bath City	A	1-2

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 0 Weymouth (15/01/2022 – F.A Trophy)
Weymouth 0 – 0 Dartford (01/08/2020 – National South Playoff Final)*
Weymouth 3 – 1 Dartford (17/08/2019 – National South)
Weymouth 2 – 0 Dartford (27/12/1997 – Southern League South)
Dartford 3 – 2 Weymouth (23/08/1997 – Southern League South)
Weymouth 2 – 1 Dartford (15/02/1997 – National South)
*Weymouth won 3-0 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have not beaten Weymouth in the league for 32 years (D1, L5)
The Darts ended a 32 year run without beating the Terras in all competitions last season (D2*, L6) *lost one on penalties
Dartford’s clean sheet last season was the first time they have kept consecutive clean sheets against Weymouth

On This Day

Dartford belatedly lifted the Kent Senior Shield on this day in 1970. Continued over from the previous season the Darts drew 2-2 with Bexley United in the second leg to win 4-3 on aggregate. Nine years ago, Dartford knocked out rivals Ebbsfleet United in the F.A Cup fourth qualifying round with Elliot Bradbrook scoring the winner from the spot. The 1-0 win in the replay came after a 1-1 draw in the first game. It wasn’t the first time Dartford qualified for the F.A Cup first round on this day. The Darts won fourth qualifying round ties by beating Tooting and Mitcham United 2-0 in 1983, then in consecutive season’s against Slough Town 2-1 in 1988 and Dagenham and Redbridge 3-1 in 1989. Dartford’s last outing on 29 October was six years ago, Andy Pugh scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 win at home to Oxford City.

Slough Town v Dartford

October 25, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford could climb to second in the National South if they manage to beat Slough Town at Arbour Park on Tuesday night.

Alan Dowson’s side closed the gap on Havant and Waterlooville on the weekend and with the Hawks playing on Wednesday, the Darts can overtake the Hampshire club. First, Slough Town stand in their way looking to bounce back from three straight defeats in the league.

Dartford completed a double over Slough Town last season scoring nine goals without reply. The previous visit to Arbour Park ended 6-0 to the Darts. Marcus Dinanga took barely any time at all to open the scoring and the advantage was doubled when Keiran Murtagh flicked in Jack Jebb’s corner. By half-time the Darts were three up through Dinanga and on cruise control. Kalvin Kalala got in on the act, Jordan Greenidge added a fifth and Olumide Durojaiye scored to wrap up the comprehensive victory.

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Highlights – Slough Town v Dartford (30/04/2022) – Dartford FC TV

In August, the Darts faced Slough Town at Princes Park and claimed a comfortable 3-0 win in the first competitive game in front of home fans since March 2020. Noor Husin’s performance was rewarded with a composed finish for the opening goal. Ade Azeez and George Porter added the other two.

Dowson made nine changes to the team that beat Tooting and Mitcham United in the London Senior Cup, only Sam Oduadu and Jack Smith remained in the starting line up. It was Smith who opened the scoring on Saturday in the 1-1 draw at St Albans City, his first goal for the Darts during his loan spell. However, the Saints equalised through the prolific Shaun Jeffers. The result stretched Dartford’s unbeaten run to seven in the National League keeping them in third place.

Dartford coach, Steve Haughney spoke to Dartford FC TV after the draw at his former club St Albans City and said: “The first forty five minutes were a bit of a basketball match as in end to end, both sides looked dangerous going forward and opportunities were created both ends”. Once again, Dowson made use of the interval and in the second-half Haughney thought the Darts were “good value, but without creating too much”.

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Highlights – St Albans City v Dartford (22/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Signed on loan from Oxford United, Josh Johnson was given his debut at Clarence Park, he was the only change to the team that won Dartford’s last league game 2-0 against Tonbridge Angels. Haughney was pleased with his debut, he commented: “He brings energy, he brings enthusiasm. I don’t think he’s played competitively for a while but you can see what’s coming, I think he’s a good player”.

Looking ahead to Tuesday night Haughney trusts the Dartford players to put in a shift, he added: “We know it’s opportunity knocks again, another ninety minutes and I know for a fact that group have worked so hard and they’ll go to Slough on Tuesday and work hard again. It’s in their make up, it’s in their DNA and they are buying in to what the management team are doing”.

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HIghlights – Dartford v Slough Town (21/08/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Slough Town suffered a disappointing result on Saturday losing 3-2 to bottom side Weymouth. Their opponents were also reduced to ten men before grabbing a winner late in the games. The Terras took the lead when Bradley Ash converted a spot kick and in the second-half Teddy Howe made it two for the visitors. Slough Town fought back from two down with Arnold Matshazi scoring first before Nathan Carlyle was sent off for Weymouth. Scott Davies made the man advantage count equalising direct from a free-kick. However with two minutes left on the clock Cam Murray won it for the Terras.

Dan Roberts made his third league appearance for the Rebels in his one month loan spell. The forward was a favourite in his first spell at Arbour Park making 58 appearances scoring 13 goals. His hard work and pace earned him a move to the Darts in the summer of 2021 and so far he has started just 11 games under Steve King and now Dowson. The 24-year-old has the highest substitute appearances in the current Dartford squad with 26 and has scored six times for the Darts.

Slough Town have had a patchy start to their campaign highlighted by the fact they are mid-table with almost identical home and away records. Opening the season with one point from a possible nine, the Rebels went on to lose just once in the next seven, a 5-1 hammering at Bath City. In that spell they managed to pick up five wins and a draw and by the end of September were ninth and just a point behind Dartford in seventh. However, three losses in a row has seen the Berkshire club lose ground, but Neal Baker and Jon Underwood will be determined to get the Rebels back on track.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 7 / St Albans City wins: 3 / Draws: 3

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWWD)			Slough Town (WDWLLL)
St Albans City	A	1-1	Weymouth	H	2-3
Tonbridge Angels	H	2-0	Dover Athletic	A	0-3
Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-1	Hemel Hempstead Town	H	0-2
Hungerford Town	H	2-0	Chippenham Town	A	1-0
Eastbourne Borough	H	2-1	Braintree Town	A	1-1
Hampton & Richmond	H	2-1	Taunton Town	H	1-0

Last Six Meetings

Slough Town 0 – 6 Dartford (30/04/2022 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Slough Town (21/08/2021 – National South)
Slough Town 2 – 2 Dartford (15/12/2020 – F.A Trophy)*
Dartford 2 – 0 Slough Town (21/11/2020 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 Slough Town (03/10/2020 – F.A Cup)
Slough Town 0 – 3 Dartford (19/07/2020 – National South Playoff)
* – Dartford won 6-5 on penalties

Statistics

Dartford have won the last three league games scoring 11 without reply
The Darts have gone four games unbeaten in all competitions against the Rebels, winning three and going through on penalties in the F.A Trophy
Dartford are unbeaten in three away games against the Rebels

On This Day

Dartford are unbeaten in their last eight games on this day, but five of those have been draws. The last outing on 25 October ended without a goal as the Darts drew 0-0 at Chelmsford City a year ago. Harry Crawford scored twice and Elliot Bradbrook netted from the spot in 2014 to help Dartford qualify for the F.A Cup first round by beating Burgess Hill Town 3-1. That victory was the last in a sequence of three straight victories on this day. In 2011, Jacob Erskine, James Rogers and Jack Pallen scored in a 3-0 win across the River Thames against Thurrock. Three years earlier, the Darts beat Tooting and Mitcham United 2-0 thanks to Cody McDonald and Rob Haworth finding the back of the net. Prior the run of three consecutive wins, Dartford drew four in a row versus Barking and East Ham United (2-2 in 2005), Fleet Town (0-0 in 2003), Newport Isle of Wight (1-1 in 2000) and Bashley (2-2 in 1997). The last defeat on this day came back in 1988 against Sutton United in the first round of the Club Call Cup. The same season the U’s recorded that famous F.A Cup win against Coventry City in the third round.

St Albans City v Dartford

October 21, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford are eyeing up a seventh straight National South win when they travel to St Albans City this weekend.

Alan Dowson has guided the Darts up to third place after recording their best winning run in the league for four and half years. Last time on their travels, the Dartford boss recorded back-to-back away victories for the first time since joining the club and is hoping for three in a row on Saturday. After six years in charge of St Albans City, Ian Allinson stepped down from his role and head coach at the end of last month with the Saints in fifteenth. Interim Head Coach, David Noble has since moved the Hertfordshire club up into ninth after an unbeaten start.

Four points behind top spot, Dartford are top of the form guide over the last six fixtures and will head into their trip to Clarence Park with confidence. The Darts opened last season with an away day at St Albans City and it turned out to be a great start to the campaign. Scoring at the end of both halves wrapped up a satisfying afternoon. Ade Azeez headed home a Danny Leonard cross just before the interval. Former Dartford and now ex-St Albans City defender, Tom Bender levelled the game. Dan Roberts was introduced, and it proved pivotal when he scored twice in the closing stages to earn a 3-1 win. Victory in Hertfordshire made it two in a row at St Albans, a place the Darts previously struggled to get a result. The reverse fixture finished the same with Dartford running out 3-1 winners. Kieran Murtagh put on a fine display scoring twice and setting up Marcus Dinanga.

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Highlights – St Albans City v Dartford (14/08/2021) courtesy of St Albans City FC

The squad is almost at full strength now Sam Odaudu has returned and with Luke Coulson taking part in Tuesday night’s London Senior Cup tie. Dartford beat Isthmian South Central side Tooting and Mitcham United 1-0 with the winning goal coming from Alex Wall, his second of the season. George Whitefield signed a first team contract after catching Dowson’s eye in the academy and he was rewarded with a debut. Afo Soyemi-Ololade also made his first appearance coming on as a substitute. Dan Wilks is still recovering from an ankle injury which has allowed Joe Young a loan stint in goal.

Dartford have scored two in each of their last five league games and one player adding goals to his creativity is Samir Carruthers, the midfielder has netted six times in his last seven appearances scoring in each of his last three outings. Last weekend at Princes Park he gave the Darts the lead against Tonbridge Angels directly from a corner. Pierre Fonkeu doubled Dartford’s advantage before the away side missed a penalty resulting in a 2-0 Kent derby win. Carruthers also opened the scoring in the 2-1 triumphs at Dulwich Hamlet and at home versus Eastbourne Borough during his scoring spree.

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Highlights – Dartford v St Albans City (23/04/2022) – Dartford FC TV

Under David Noble’s stewardship, St Albans City are unbeaten in October with three wins and a draw, one of those victories came in the Hertfordshire Senior Cup. Noble will be pleased with a defence that has been breached just once since he took charge recording three clean sheets. Only Chelmsford City have conceded fewer in the league, but at the other end the Saints have scored less than a goal a game, in fact only five goals in six matches have been witnessed in the league at Clarence Park this term.

However, they were no lack of goals last weekend when St Albans City made the trip to Kent to take on Welling United. A comfortable afternoon saw the Hertfordshire side win 3-0 with last season’s top scorer Shaun Jeffers starting the ball rolling. Zane Banton took advantage of a goalkeeping error which allowed him to put into an empty net from 30 yards and the third came from Jeffers for his second of the day. Victory at Park View Road followed up the 1-0 home win over Concord Rangers in which Joe Neal scored the winner. In Noble’s first league game in charge, the Saints drew 1-1 with Chippenham Town and before that they beat London Colney 2-0 in the senior cup, the interim Head Coach’s first match at the helm.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 11 / St Albans City wins: 6 / Draws: 5

Current League Form

Dartford (WWWWWW)			St Albans City (LWLDWW)
Tonbridge Angels	H	2-0	Welling United	A	2-0
Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-1	Concord Rangers	H	1-0
Hungerford Town	H	2-0	Chippenham Town	H	1-1
Eastbourne Borough	H	2-1	Braintree Town	A	0-1
Hampton & Richmond	H	2-1	Farnborough	A	2-1
Dover Athletic	A	3-1	Worthing	H	0-1

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 3 – 1 St Albans City (23/04/2022 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 3 Dartford (14/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 0 – 1 St Albans City (17/11/2020 – National South)
St Albans City 1 – 2 Dartford (07/03/2020 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 St Albans City (06/08/2019 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 2 St Albans City (12/01/2019 – National South)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one of the last six against St Albans City (W4, D1) having won just one of the previous six (D0, L5)
On the road, Dartford have won in their last two visits to St Albans City having lost the previous four with and aggregate score of 0-11.
Dartford have gone 19 games without a league draw for the first time since the 2016/2017 season.

On This Day

Brendon Cass stole the show in the F.A Trophy first qualifying round on this day in 2006. The striker helped himself to four goals as Dartford eased to victory against Horsham YMCA. Eddie McClements opened the scoring and Ryan Hayes scored with his trademark curler in a trophy tie that ended up 6-0 to the Darts. Most recently, Luke Wanadio scored the only goal of the game as Dartford went away to Bath City and won in 2016. Dartford’s last game at Princes Park on 22 October ended in defeat against Truro City. The visitors were two goals up after just seven minutes. Tom Bonner pulled a goal back after scoring a rebound, but the Darts couldn’t complete their comeback.

Dartford v Tooting and Mitcham United

October 17, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

The Darts begin their London Senior Cup campaign on Tuesday night when they host Tooting and Mitcham United for the first time in almost thirteen years.

Dartford crossed paths with the Terrors during the Isthmian League days meeting twice in the Division One South then four times in the Premier Division. These two sides have cup history between them as well with previous in both the F.A Cup and F.A Trophy during the seventies, eighties and nineties.

The last time Dartford hosted their round one opponents was the year the Darts clinched the Isthmian Premier League title, but the Terrors gave the league leaders a fright going two goals up through defender Jamie Byatt and striker Paul Vines. Before the interval, Ryan Hayes marked his 150th starting appearance in style bending a free-kick past Dave King in the Tooting and Mitcham United’s goal. Hayes was at it again with another fine finish early in the second-half to level the match, then late on substitute Rob Howarth scored the winner.

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Highlights – Dartford v Tooting and Mitcham United (24/11/2019) – courtesy of sonytino

In the reverse fixture, Tooting and Mitcham United inflicted one of only seven defeats Dartford suffered that season. At the Imperial Fields, Simon Parker coolly finished early on to put the hosts in front. The Terrors had to wait until the final ten minutes for their second when Vines got on the end of a long ball. Three minutes later Vine scored again, but there was still time for Allan Tait to grab a consolation for the Darts.

A win a piece sums up the head to head between these two sides. In cup competitions it’s all level with two victories each and a stalemate. In league fixtures the Darts just edge it with three wins, two defeats and a draw. Out of the eleven meetings over the years this game has often produced plenty of goals averaging just under four a game.

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Highlights – Tooting and Mitcham United v Dartford (13/03/2010) – courtesy of sonytino

Last season Dartford participated in the London Senior Cup for the very first time and reached the last eight losing to Brentford B. In the two rounds leading up to the quarter-final, the Darts racked up 14 goals beating Athletic Newham 5-2 and Cockfosters 9-0. Although Dartford entered the competition in 2020/2021 they were forced to pull out before playing their first round tie, Tooting and Mitcham United went on to win the competition that season for the eighth time beating AFC Wimbledon in the final. Last term the Terrors went out in the second round in their attempt to retain the cup, they beat Redbridge 4-1 at the first hurdle before losing 2-1 against Haringey Borough.

After Saturday’s triumph, Alan Dowson has now guided the Darts to six straight league victories, however the last cup outing during that sequence ended in a cup upset. On the weekend, goals from Samir Carruthers, his sixth of the season and Pierre Fonkeu, the striker’s fifth goal of the campaign gave the Darts a 2-0 derby day win over Tonbridge Angels to leave them third and four points from the top. The National South fixture saw the return of Sam Odaudu after a six week absence.

Tooting and Mitcham United lost 2-0 to Westfields on the weekend conceding just past the hour when John Adebiyi scored. Then in the last minute Troy Walters clinched the win for the visitors. The result leaves the Terrors down in 16th place in the Isthmian Division One Central. In cup competitions the London based club won their extra preliminary tie against Cobham before being knocked out by VCD Athletic. In the F.A Trophy the Terrors fell at the first hurdle on penalties against Kent club Corinthians. Finally, leading up to their last league outing Tooting and Mitcham United lost a third consecutive cup match in the Isthmian League Cup. A 2-1 defeat at Sevenoaks Town halted their progress in the second round of the competition.

The Terrors now have the league and London Senior Cup to concentrate on. Without a win in September and October, Tooting and Mitcham United are winless in six attempts. The last time they tasted victory was away at Guernsey at the end of August and their only other victory was at the beginning of that month, the extra preliminary F.A Cup triumph.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 5 / Tooting and Mitcham United wins: 4 / Draws: 2

Current Form (all competitions)

Dartford (LWWWWW)			Tooting & Mitcham United (DDLDLL)
Tonbridge Angels	H	2-0	Westfield	H	0-2
Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-1	Sevenoaks Town (LC)	A	1-2
Hungerford Town	H	2-0	South Park	H	1-1
Eastbourne Borough	H	2-1	Hanworth Villa	H	0-3
Hampton & Richmond	H	2-1	Southall	A	1-1
Beckenham Town (FAC)	H	1-2	Corinthian (FAT)*	H	0-0

FAC – F.A Cup / FAT – F.A Trophy / * – lost 7-6 on penalties / LC – League Cup

Last Six Meetings

Tooting and Mitcham United 3 – 1 Dartford (13/03/2010 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 2 Tooting and Mitcham United (24/11/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 3 – 1 Tooting and Mitcham United (28/02/2009 – Isthmian Premier)
Tooting and Mitcham United 0 – 2 Dartford (25/10/2008 – Isthmian Premier)
Dartford 2 – 2 Tooting and Mitcham United (27/02/2007 – Isthmian Division One)
Tooting and Mitcham United 2 – 1 Dartford (17/10/2006 – Isthmian Division One)

Statistics

There has been 3.72 goals a game in the 11 meetings between Dartford and Tooting and Mitcham United.
The Darts have won three of the last four meetings against the Terrors, however they lost last time they met
Dartford have never failed to score against Tooting and Mitcham United.

On This Day

Ryan Hayes scored his 50th Dartford goal on this day in 2008 which turned out to be the winner in a F.A Trophy tie against Harlow Town. The Darts have won each of their last five cup games on this day and Hayes’ goal came after Adam Flanagan’s superb volley from outside the box. Harlow Town pulled a goal back, but it was Dartford who progressed into the next round. Three years earlier the Darts beat Kent rivals Dover Athletic in a five goal thriller. The F.A Trophy first qualifying round replay ended 3-2 to Dartford after the sides played out a 1-1 draw. In 1988, Dartford won a Southern League cup fixture against Hastings United and in 1983 beat Sittingbourne 4-1 in the F.A Cup third qualifying round after a replay. In the less prestigious Eastern Floodlit Cup back in 1977, the Darts beat Maidstone United 2-1 in the semi-final, but went on to lost the final to Chelmsford City.

Dartford v Tonbridge Angels

October 14, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford could claim a sixth straight league win for the first time in four and a half years on the weekend when they host Tonbridge Angels in the National South.

The Darts have found some form winning five league games in a row for the first time since the beginning of the year. The Darts can move back into third if they pick up at least a point this weekend and are guaranteed to finish fourth by the end of the afternoon. Tonbridge Angels could break into the playoff places if results go their way and potentially be the fourth Kent side in the top seven.

Six wins in their last seven league outings has seen Dartford move up the National South standings with the help of Samir Carruthers. The midfielder returned to the line-up on the weekend as the Darts recorded another 2-1 win, this time at Dulwich Hamlet. Returning from his one game ban, Carruthers scored from the spot to record his fifth goal in as many appearances. Keiran Murtagh was also back in the starting eleven, whilst Luke Allen was named as a substitute alongside Charlie Sheringham, who missed the home match against Hungerford Town. Luke Coulson picked up an injury in that 2-0 victory over the Crusaders, so he missed out on the Dulwich Hamlet fixture with Dan Wilks (ankle) and Sam Odaudu, who was close to making his return. Coulson returned to training this week and manager Alan Dowson is hopeful the winger will be available for this weekend’s Kent derby.

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Highlights – Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford (08/10/2022) – Dartford FC TV

The Darts were made to work hard for their win at Champion Hill after falling behind early on through Nana Owusu. Academy graduate, Marvin Herschel continued his impressive form in the senior team by winning a penalty on the stroke of half-time, which Carruthers successfully converted. Sheringham was introduced late in the second half and with six minutes remaining headed home the winner. A goal and assist from Carruthers takes the 29-year-old’s tally to eight goal involvements since the start of the season.

Martin Tyler spoke to Dartford FC TV after the Dulwich Hamlet game and said the performance “got better”, he added: “the scoreline reflects that. We were probably sloppy enough to be one down but getting a break just before half-time changed the mood of the half-time team talk”. Tyler praised Herschel for creating another influential moment in the game by winning the penalty, Dowson’s substitutions and Sheringham for his winner from off the bench.

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Interview – Martin Tyler speaks to Dartford FC TV after the win at Dulwich Hamlet

Dowson is pleased with the uplift in form and recording back to back away wins for the first time since becoming manager has put his side in a positive frame of mind, he spoke to Dartford FC TV this week and exclaimed: “It’s been a good place morale wise because we’re winning games”, he continued: “It was a good result on Saturday and at times we played some really good stuff, but other times we haven’t, it’s just about getting the balance right. We’re in a good position and the beauty about it is being in this position and wanting to add to it a little bit, I think we’ll be fine. It’s been a good couple of weeks”. Citing the Beckenham Town cup exit as a wake-up call, Dowson has made some alterations on the field which has been rewarded with the third best form in the division over the last eight league games. The Dartford boss now turns the attention towards Tonbridge Angels and is expecting a challenging afternoon this weekend against a “tough side”.

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Interview – Alan Dowson gives an update to Dartford FC TV

Last season, Tonbridge Angels were the first side to take points off Dartford in a 1-1 draw at Princes Park. The Darts had won their opening five matches and fell behind to a Tommy Wood header. Dartford equalised when Jack Jebb took advantage of the headed clearance by goalkeeper Jonathan Henly to fire a half volley over the goalkeeper and into the Angels net. Jebb also scored what turned out to be the winner in the reverse fixture in a 3-2 victory, the start of another five-match winning streak this year. Winger, Danny Leonard set Dartford on their way scoring a brace in the opening twenty minutes. However, Wood halved the deficit and after the Darts restored a two-goal cushion through Jebb, the Angels added a consolation through Ibrahim Olutade.

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Highlights – Dartford v Tonbridge Angels (11/09/2021) – Dartford FC TV

Like Dartford, the summer was a period of change for Tonbridge Angels with Steve McKimm leaving and being replaced by former Margate boss Saunders. Moving with Saunders from Hartsdown Park to Longmead came Louis Collins, Ben Swift and Fyn Rutherford, the trio would have played alongside Dartford’s Sam Odaudu last term when the midfielder was on loan at Margate. Former Dartford defender, Craig Braham-Barrett was retained by Tonbridge Angels over the summer having featured in the majority of games last season, the 34-year-old Montserrat international made 29 appearances for the Darts.

Tonbridge Angels showed plenty of character last weekend after they found themselves two down at home to Oxford City. Josh Ashby and Josh Parker had the visitors in control at the break, but a spirited second-half fightback thanks to goals from Ruben Soares-Junior and Jeremey Santos rescued a point in a 2-2 draw. The draw came after a loss to Hemel Hempstead Town in the league, which had ended a three-game winning run against Dulwich Hamlet, then promoted teams Farnborough and Cheshunt. Saturday’s clash with Dartford will be a good test for the Angels as they have yet to play any of the current top seven.

Saunders is hopeful his Angels side can come away with some points when they visit Princes Park despite an injury list building up. Tommie Fagg picked up a groin strain against Oxford City, Joe Tyrie a head injury, James Taylor (ankle) and Santos will be assessed after limping off as well. Swift is out of action with potentially a longer-term injury. The Angels boss is looking forward to the trip to Princes Park, he told www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk: “I’ve been quite lucky in the past there so hopefully that carries on. It is a tough place; Dowse is a very experienced manager. I know a lot of their players and they have picked up some good results over the last few weeks. We have to prepare; we’ve got a week now to nurse the ones that need it and I’ll probably have to look at getting a couple of players in”.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 70 / Tonbridge Angels wins: 38 / Draws: 25

Current League Form

Dartford (LWWWWW)			Tonbridge Angels (LWWWLD)
Dulwich Hamlet	A	2-1	Oxford City	H	2-2
Hungerford Town	H	2-0	Hemel Hempstead Town	A	0-1
Eastbourne Borough	H	2-1	Cheshunt	A	4-3
Hampton & Richmond	H	2-1	Farnborough	H	2-1
Dover Athletic	A	3-1	Dulwich Hamlet	H	3-1
Chippenham Town	A	1-2	St Albans City	H	1-2

Last Six Meetings

Tonbridge Angels 2 – 3 Dartford (29/01/2022 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 1 Tonbridge Angels (11/09/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (05/01/2021 – National South)
Dartford 3 – 0 Tonbridge Angels (28/12/2019 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 3 – 2 Dartford (03/09/2019 – National South)
Tonbridge Angels 0 – 3 Dartford (15/10/2016 – F.A Cup)

Statistics

Dartford have lost just one of the last 14 games against Tonbridge Angels (W11, D2)
The Darts have won six of the last eight at home against the Angels (D2, L0)
Two thirds of Dartford’s league games this season have ended 2-1 (W4, L4)
Dartford have not drawn a league game since April, a run of 18 games (12 this season).
Another match without a draw will equal the run of 19 without a draw in the 2016/2017 campaign

On This Day

Dartford beat Tonbridge Angels on this day six years ago to earn a place in the F.A Cup first round. Goals from Alex Brown, Andy Pugh and Elliot Bradbrook sealed a 3-0 victory at Longmead which featured Tom Bonner as the only current Dartford player in the line-up that day. The last three games on this day have been Kent derbies as five years prior, the Darts claimed a 2-1 away victory over Cray Wanderers in the F.A Cup, Ryan Hayes and Danny Harris scoring in the third qualifying round. In 2005, Dartford drew 1-1 with Dover Athletic in a F.A Trophy first qualifying tie, whilst the last home game on 15th October ended in a 4-0 F.A Cup defeat to Havant and Waterlooville 22 years ago. The last time Dartford were in league action on this day was back in 1997 when they beat Margate 1-0 in the Southern League South Division. The Darts have won all five league games at home played on this day since originally forming in 1888.

Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford

October 7, 2022 / Stuart Maidment / 0 Comments

Dartford go back on the road to face some familiar faces this weekend when they make the short journey to Dulwich Hamlet.

The Darts moved into third place last Saturday after collecting a fourth consecutive league victory, their fifth in six outings. Hamlet are transitioning after a change in manager and just two wins in ten National South games.

After an inconsistent start to the campaign, which included five defeats in all competitions, manager Alan Dowson has turned Dartford’s form around to get his side into the playoff places. The latest triumph came at home against a difficult yet struggling Hungerford Town. Marvin Herschel scored his second in three league starts for the club, charging down a clearance from the goalkeeper and passing the ball into an empty net. Alex Wall silenced any critics with his first since re-joining the Darts to seal a 2-0 win with his well struck shot. The third straight home victory means Dartford have maximum points in their last four National South fixtures having also beaten Eastbourne Borough, Hampton and Richmond Borough and Kent rivals Dover Athletic.

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Highlights – Dartford v Hungerford Town (01/10/2022) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

Dartford coach, Martin Tyler was delighted with the reaction of his players to exiting the F.A Cup early, he spoke to Dartford FC TV and said: “After the Beckenham game we’ve had a few heart to hearts with the players and we’ve won three games. Admittedly all of them have been at home and not by extravagant margins, but it’s been a great response”. The Darts kept a first clean sheet at Princes Park this term and Tyler was keen to single out Jordan Wynter’s move from full back to defensive midfield as the cornerstone to Dartford’s improved defending.

Looking ahead to this weekend Tyler expects a tough challenge at Champion Hill when they face Dulwich Hamlet, he commented: “They are always competitive, they’ve had a change this season after a long period of stability. They’ve always put out competitive teams against us, so we will see what it’s now like. I would expect the same under the new regime, it’s a fine football club”. Midfielder, Samir Carruthers will be available after serving his one match ban for five cautions this season. Charlie Sheringham missed last weekend because of personal matters, so should be available on Saturday. Dan Wilks is recovering from his ankle injury, Sam Odaudu is getting closer to a return, whilst Luke Coulson was substituted against Hungerford Town after picking up an injury.

Over the last few years there have been plenty of connections between Dartford and Dulwich Hamlet. In fact, one of those connections scored in the corresponding fixture last season. Josh Hill smashed in the opening goal at Champion Hill in Dartford’s last visit there, the defender is now part of Hamlet’s squad. The 31-year-old made 66 appearances for the Darts scoring seven goals before moving to SE22. In that 2-0 win for Dartford, Tyrique Hyde scored the other, he also spent time at both clubs during his career to date. At Princes Park last season it was Tyrone Sterling, a former Dart who put Dulwich Hamlet in front. However, the match ended all square after Jake Robinson equalised.

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Highlights – Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford (28/08/2021) – courtesy of Dartford FC TV

As well as Hill, former Dartford academy graduate Ronnie Vint has been impressing at Champion Hill. The central defender spent nine years with Dartford’s senior team turning out 202 times, scoring 11 goals. George Porter made 37 appearances over two years contributing to six goals, Kalvin Kalala was also part of last season’s squad netting five goals in 26 appearances. Whilst Danny Mills has been with Hamlet for longer, joining the London based club in 2019 after a loan spell with Dartford in which he scored seven times in 26 appearances. Sanchez Ming takes the list of former players to six, the defender played 13 times under Steve King.

Since the former Dartford contingent signing in the summer, the boss that brought them to Dulwich has left. Gavin Rose’s contract wasn’t extended last month after taking charge of more than 550 games and winning two promotions in his 13 years with the club. His departure came with the club in 21^st place after a 3-1 defeat against Tonbridge Angels and fourth loss in a row. After winning on the opening day of the season and drawing the next two, Dulwich Hamlet lost six consecutive matches. The last of those losses saw new interim Head Coach, Paul Barnes take charge of his first league match for the club. Leading up to the defeat at Chippenham Town, Barnes had won two out of two in cup competitions.

Athletic Newham were beaten 5-2 in the London Senior Cup and a 2-1 F.A Cup win over Margate saw Hamlet into the third qualifying round which took place last weekend. Ahead of the cup tie versus Folkestone Invicta, Barnes did manage to record his first league win since taking over by beating newly promoted strugglers Cheshunt. However, his side ended up suffering a F.A Cup exit to the Isthmian Premier League side and last season’s Kent Senior Cup runners up. Former Hamlet man, Ade Yussuf scored the only goal of the game for Folkestone Invicta three minutes into the second half. That came after another ex-Dulwich player Nathan Green was sent off in the first half.

Head to Head

Dartford wins: 4 / Dulwich Hamlet wins: 3 / Draws: 4

Current League Form

Dartford (WLWWWW)			Dulwich Hamlet (LLLLLW)
Hungerford Town	H	2-0	Cheshunt	A	3-0
Eastbourne Borough	H	2-1	Chippenham Town	A	1-2
Hampton & Richmond	H	2-1	Hemel Hempstead Town	H	1-3
Dover Athletic	A	3-1	Tonbridge Angels	A	1-3
Chippenham Town	A	1-2	Welling United	H	1-2
Hemel Hempstead Town	A	2-0	Eastbourne Borough	A	1-2

Last Six Meetings

Dartford 1 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (08/01/2022 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 0 – 2 Dartford (28/08/2021 – National South)
Dartford 1 – 0 Dulwich Hamlet (25/01/2020 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 1 – 1 Dartford (07/12/2019 – National South)
Dulwich Hamlet 2 – 0 Dartford (02/03/2019 – National South)
Dartford 2 – 1 Dulwich Hamlet (20/10/2018 – National South)

Statistics

The Darts have lost just one of the last six meetings with the Hamlet (W3, D3)
After losing on each of their first three visits to Champion Hill, Dartford are unbeaten in their last two there (W1, D1)
Dartford have managed a four game winning streak in the league for a second time this calendar year. The Darts recorded five consecutive victories from 29 January to 19 February last season
The Darts are on the longest current winning steak in the division, but need another five consecutive victories to match rivals Ebbsfleet United’s nine wins in a row from the start of the campaign.

On This Day

A brace from Duane Ofori-Acheampong rewarded the long travelling Dartford fans who witnessed a 5-0 victory on this day. The Darts beat Truro City down in Cornwall with Keaton Wood, Andy Pugh and Alex Brown also geting their names on the scoresheet. Matthew Godden scored five goals in nine appearances whilst on loan in 2013/14, one of his goals came in the 1-1 draw with Salisbury on this day in 2013. Godden went on to make it in the Football League with Peterborough United and is currently at Coventry City.

Month: October 2022

Dartford v Weymouth

Slough Town v Dartford

St Albans City v Dartford

Dartford v Tooting and Mitcham United

Dartford v Tonbridge Angels

Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford

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